The Cariboo Region will receive $70,000 from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to support the Youth Work in Trades Programs for 2017-18.
Funding will be used to support youth apprentices in their communities.
"This will give students a head start. They will have the experience and a link to employment making the transition between high school and industry easier," says Jason Leber, manager of youth programs at ITA.
"And there are so many options with about 100 trades to choose from."
Three school districts will receive funding - Prince George ($30,000), Cariboo-Chilcotin ($20,000) and Quesnel ($20,000).
"In the north, it's important to keep students living and working in the north and Prince George has a great program having registered 40 students last year," Leber said.
"This shows good support from the school district and industry."
Youth Work in Trades is a dual credit program which provides opportunities for B.C. students from Grades 10-12 by connecting them with local employers to gain practical experience in the trades.
"Students throughout the Cariboo who are given the chance to explore trades training are better equipped to find careers that they enjoy and are passionate about," says Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, skills and training.
"That's why we support the ITA Youth in Trades programs that gives high school students the chance to pursue a career that will provide them with a good quality of life, transferrable skills and job satisfaction for years to come."
An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job and classroom training and takes about four years to complete.
"The world is changing and B.C. parents need to know we are preparing young people to succeed for life beyond school and providing training options outside of the university post-secondary pathway," says Walter Sorokovsky, ITA Apprenticeship Advisor, Prince George South.
"This funding provides practical experience for students entering the trades and will help prepare them for the job market."
The ITA leads and coordinates B.C.'s skilled trades system. It works with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.
